AUR very welcoming

My experience while studying abroad in Rome was amazing in all aspects. The experience inside the classroom and outside of the classroom was something that was so special.

Starting with the class aspect, I thought that American University of Rome was very welcoming from the start and did a great job introducing us to what our next month was going to look like. The two classes I took were an introduction to Italian language course and an international business course. The Italian language course helped me get familiar with the language and survive on the basic words I needed to know when doing everyday activities around Rome. The international business course was very beneficial to me because I am a marketing major, I also have an interest in working internationally one day. In this course I learned a little more about international business and about marketing internationally, specifically how it may differ in other nations. My professor had worked in the United States on Wall Street and worked in Italy, so learning from him was an awesome experience.

On a personal level, studying abroad helped me broaden my horizons and truly enjoy trying new things. While abroad I met many new people and tried many new foods, something I may not do as much as I should in the United States. I also visited St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, and although I am not typically the most religious person this really sparked an interest for me.

From my host culture I learned an art of elegance that you may not see in the United States. The way that the people in Rome carried themselves was in a very polite and respectful manner that was very easy to appreciate.

A myth that I was maybe expecting to be true was that you may be treated differently with slight disrespect being that you are American. I can say that I cannot really think of a time this happened to me, maybe once or twice in the slightest manner. This was still not very significant.

I had never been overseas, besides being born in Russia and adopted at a very young age. For me this took courage, and I ended up loving every aspect of it. I am beyond grateful for what I learned academically, as well as the things I was able to do and experience. Experiencing Europe and one of its most beautiful countries was truly amazing. I would like to thank scholarship donors and everyone who helped make this happen for me. The growth I experienced as a student and person was life changing.

Name: Andrew Block
Status: Junior
Major: Marketing
Hometown: Trenton, Michigan
Program: American University of Rome